Following its reveal last September, Dolby Vision 2 is now arriving on televisions, beginning with the 2026 Hisense UX, UR9, UR8, and U7 series. TCL and Philips plan to introduce Dolby Vision 2 on chosen models before the year ends.

Dolby Vision 2 represents an updated dynamic HDR format featuring a stronger image processor and richer metadata than the original Dolby Vision introduced more than ten years ago. It offers two versions: Dolby Vision 2 Max, available on these initial Hisense sets, and a standard Dolby Vision 2 tier.

The Max edition adds motion smoothing called Authentic Motion, an improved ambient light sensor adjustment beyond Dolby Vision IQ, plus advanced options for precise tone mapping tweaks. Max targets premium displays, whereas the base tier suits affordable mainstream TVs lacking ambient sensors or motion capabilities needed for Authentic Motion. Bidirectional tone mapping, local tone mapping, and an intensity slider come with the standard Dolby Vision 2 and apply to current Dolby Vision material.

Similar to Dolby Vision, both levels demand dedicated hardware. The sole current Dolby Vision 2 chip is the MediaTek Pentonic 800. Prior Dolby Vision TVs without this hardware cannot receive updates for Dolby Vision 2, though they will still show the content while skipping added metadata.

When Dolby Vision first launched, many films and series featured highlights exceeding what TVs could handle at the time. The tone mapping system adjusted the image to fit the display's capabilities. Now that some TVs surpass the brightness of those masters, typically capped between 1,000 and 4,000 nits, Dolby Vision 2's engine can also proportionally raise brightness to maximize a TV's output. It can further leverage existing metadata for local tone mapping and contrast tweaks to benefit from brighter modern displays.

While maximizing a TV's brightness range sounds appealing, concerns arise that exceeding the master's brightness might stray from the creator's intended look. Blade Runner 2049, for example, maintains a dark tone with average brightness around 200-250 nits despite its HDR and Dolby Vision presentation. That subdued level creates a distinct atmosphere. On a Hisense UR9 exceeding 3,000 nits or a TCL X11L reaching nearly 9,000 nits, the original mood could shift. Premium TVs aim to replicate the director's vision accurately from mastering monitors to home viewing. Once Dolby Vision 2 spreads, it will be interesting to observe brightness changes in titles like Blade Runner 2049.

An intensity slider lets users tweak HDR highlight punch based on room conditions, tastes, or contrast needs. This resembles HDR level controls on JVC and Epson projectors or Windows HDR intensity for gaming.

Not every Dolby Vision 2 feature works with older Dolby Vision content. Authentic Motion stands out as intriguing yet potentially divisive, allowing creators to enable motion smoothing at chosen strengths for select scenes to reduce judder or blur, then disable it to prevent soap opera effects. This requires addition to Dolby Vision 2 metadata in post-production and cannot apply to existing material. Jonas Klittmark, Dolby's director of business and product, noted that this feature relies on creative decisions rather than invention.

Klittmark added that Authentic Motion overrides TV motion settings, yet users can revert to the set's static options or disable smoothing entirely. This accommodates those opposed to any motion processing.

Content creators determine whether motion smoothing metadata is necessary, sparking debate in forums. The option to subtly address judder or artifacts in targeted moments, rather than applying blanket TV settings or none, offers value.

Chris Turkstra, vice president of home devices at Dolby Laboratories, stated the announced Hisense models should receive full Dolby Vision 2 updates by late September, with most finished by late August. This marks only the start of the rollout. Full Dolby Vision 2 use requires content encoded with its metadata during post-production.

Peacock, Canal+, and iQiyi will encode with Dolby Vision 2, while other studios integrate it into workflows.

The rival HDR10+ Advanced update, announced last fall, offers similar tools including enhanced brightness control, local tone mapping, and motion smoothing metadata. It is backed by Samsung, Panasonic, Hisense, TCL, Amazon Prime Video, and Roku. Though royalty-free unlike licensed Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision 2 should see broader immediate uptake given prior adoption patterns.

LG and Sony have not confirmed Dolby Vision 2 support yet but are expected to include it on some 2027 models. Samsung will skip it due to HDR10+ investment. Since Dolby Vision 2 needs new hardware, it will take time to replace the original widely. Dolby Vision 2 will prove useful, yet at this early stage, it is not worth delaying a new TV purchase solely for it.